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Performing and Fine Arts

Courses

FINE ARTS

FIA 115 – Introduction to Art (3)

Experiencing and understanding art through the study of elements, techniques, styles and ideas.

FIA 151 – General Drawing (3)

Introduction to the principles and practices of drawing. Lecture periods, class discussions, demonstrations, research assignments and studio assignments.

FIA 200 – Special Topics in Art: Exploring Acrylic Mediums (1)

This experimental studio art course will introduce you to the extremely versatile and forgiving medium of acrylics. Whether you are a beginner or you wish to expand your painting practice, this class will allow you to explore acrylic paint and mediums in new and exciting ways.

FIA 200 – Special Topics in Art: Introduction to Book Arts (1)

Learn the art of constructing a book from start to finish in this fun and rewarding studio art course. Perfect for beginners, this class will allow you to explore two different bookbinding methods.

FIA 245 – History of Art I (3)

Art from pre-history to medieval times. Placement and continuous development of style, purpose and iconography of major art objects and monuments.

FIA 246 – History of Art II (3)

Proto-Renaissance to the present. Placement and continuous development of style, purpose and iconography of major art objects and monuments.

FIA 251S – General Drawing II (3)

Emphasis on interpretive relationship between the student and his/her work. Encourages student to explore subject matter from a conceptual point of view, experimenting with a variety of materials and techniques. Studio course. Prerequisite: Fine Arts 151

FIA 300 – Topics in Studio Art (3)

Exploring personal visual language through various formats/media. May be repeated for credit, provided topics are not the same. Selected topics include History and Art of Digital Photography and Studio Painting.

FIA 344S – Creative Expression (3)

Examination and use of common images/ symbols/devices used in the visual arts. Projects emphasize exploring, using, and making personal images and symbols.

FIA 351S – Advanced Drawing (3)

Refinement of drawing skills to include still life, landscape, cityscape, and the objects that occupy these spaces. Methods to develop fantasy, narrative, and traditional finished drawings. Permission of instructor.

FIA 400 – Studies in Art History (3)

Intensive study in a single period, school, or aesthetic. Topics will vary from term to term. May be repeated for credit, provided topics are not the same. Permission of instructor.

FIA 490 – Independent Study (3)

Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the students. Admission by consent of supervising discipline and the academic school.

MUSIC

MUS 110 – Choir (1)

The study, rehearsal, and performance of choral music. Three hours of rehearsal a week. May be taken four times for credit.

MUS 115 – Introduction to Music (3)

Introductory study covering a variety of types of music, including works by major composers from various historic periods. Emphasis on development of structured listening based on the elements of music.

MUS 120 – Band (1)

Study, rehearsal, and performance of music for band and, as instrumentation permits, stage band as well. Three hours of rehearsal a week. May be taken four times for credit.

MUS 130 – Beginning African Drumming (1)

Basic hand drumming techniques: (tone, bass slap, muffle), and their application to the rhythms from different parts of Africa. Ewe people and culture, ensemble playing, call and response, improvisation. May be taken up to three times for credit.

MUS 150 – Applied Music: Beginning Instrumental Instruction (1)

Solo instrumental instruction. Students may take a combination of MUS 150 and 160 a total of six times for credit.

MUS 160 – Applied Music: Advanced Instrumental Instruction (1)

Advanced solo instruction in instrumental music. A combination of MUS 150 and 160 may be taken a maximum of six times for credit. Prerequisite MUS 150 and audition or permission of instructor.

MUS 170 – Applied Music: Beginning Voice Instruction (1)

Solo voice instruction. May be repeated four times for credit.

MUS 180 – Applied Music: Advanced Voice Instruction (1)

Individual vocal instruction of advanced scope and difficulty. Combination of MUS 170 and 180 may be taken six times for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 170 plus audition or permission of instructor.

MUS 230 – Instrumental Ensemble (1)

Techniques of instrumental performance and styles through listening, discussion, and performance. Experience required in particular genre offered. Audition may be required.

MUS 245 – History of Music I (3)Survey of Western music from its Greek origins through the Baroque period, emphasizing the development of styles and forms and the relationships between music and the other arts and their times.

MUS 246 – History of Music II (3)Survey of Western music from the latter part of the Baroque period to the present, emphasizing the development of styles and forms and the relationships between music and the other arts and their times.

MUS 250 – Intermediate Group Instruction: Instrumental (1)Group instruction in specific instruments. Topics will vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit three times provided instrument is not the same.

MUS 260 – String EnsembleStudy, rehearsal, and performance of music for string ensemble. May be taken four times for credit.

MUS 300 – History of Hip Hop (3)This course will introduce students to the general history of hip hop music from its origins until now, by giving a broad overview of major artists from this period. We will also explore connections between the rap music and the other elements of hip hop culture.

MUS 300 – History of Rock (3)This course will cover the origins of popular music in the 20th century, and the social and historical context that gave birth to it, along with other related genres. From blues and country to punk and heavy metal, students will familiarize themselves with landmark groups, music, and movements of different periods, exploring connections between modern music and the artists from the past who have paved the way for the popular music of today.

MUS 300 – History of World Music (3)

This course provides an introductory survey of traditions and transformations of music in a global perspective, exploring music both as a phenomenon of sound and a phenomenon of culture. The focus of the course is not traditional music per se, but is rather musics of tradition, with tradition understood as a process of transformation whose most remarkable feature is the continuity it nurtures and sustains. Within this framework, we will explore everything from folk and classical genres to contemporary styles of world beat, jazz, popular, and experimental music.

THEATRE

THE 115 – Introduction to Theatre (3)

Examination of the various arts of theatre: playwriting, directing, acting, scene and costume design, as individual arts and as part of the composite art of theatre leading to a more perceptive critical view of theatre. Practical work in at least one stage production required.

THE 130 – Practicum in Theatre (1)

Participation in dramatic productions. Students selected by the faculty. May be taken four times for credit. Permission of instructor required.

THE 136 – Elements of Acting (3)

Stage business and movements, theatrical projection, correlation of body and voice, relation of the body to moods and emotions, and the application of these elements to individual and ensemble scene work.

THE 333 – Production in the Theatre (3)

The study of the technical disciplines of the theatre (scene design, lighting, costume design, etc.) in relationship to the entire production. Practical as well as theoretical work. A project will be required of each student.

THE 300 – Topics in Theatre: Scenic Painting (3)

The basics of theatrical scenic painting, including how to use highlight and shadow to create the illusion of dimension on a flat surface and using paint to create faux textures including wood grain, granite and marble.

THE 315 – Puppetry I (3)

The design, function, and manipulation of a variety of puppet forms for the purposes of education, therapy, cultural enrichment, and entertainment.

THE 336 – Advanced Acting (3)

Intensive study of character development and various acting methods. Prerequisite: Theatre 136 or permission of instructor.

THE 340 – Theatre Workshop (1)

Actors, actresses, dancers, lighting, scenic and costume designers, playwrights, musicians, and film makers plan productions and other theatrical activities and initiate and develop theatre experiments. Everyone will take part in some theatrical activity outside of class. Freshman by permission of instructor only. May be repeated up to maximum of four credits.

THE 375 – Literature of the Theatre (3)

Forms of drama (tragedy, comedy, tragi-comedy, and others) from ancient Greece to the present. Same as English 375.

THE 400 – Topics in Theatre (3)

Specialized study in various topics in theatre.

THE 441 – Directing in the Theatre (3)

An exploration of the methods of directing a play, beginning with the analysis of the script and ending with the finished production. Each student will direct a short play as a term project. Prerequisites: Theatre 115 and 136 or permission of instructor.

THE 455 – Theatre History I (3)

Traces the development of the theatrical art from rituals and storytelling to the Renaissance. Emphasis on the theatre’s ties to social, political, and cultural trends. Prerequisite: Theatre 115 or permission of instructor.

THE 456 – Theatre History II (3)

Traces the development of the theatrical art from the Restoration to contemporary theatre. Emphasis on the theatre’s ties to social, political, and cultural trends. Prerequisites: Theatre 115 or permission of instructor.